Ireland Walking
The Marvels of County Kerry
"When it's gray and drizzly, the Irish say it's a 'soft' day. And after a while this softness works its way into your soul," claimed one veteran traveler to Ireland. "Ahh, but when the sun does emerge, the entire Earth smiles." We think you'll smile - rain or shine - during this Backroads ramble, where friend and guide Michael Murphy introduces you to the land and lore he's spent his life getting to know. And where Francis and John Brennan graciously welcome you to the prestigious Park Hotel Kenmare and its outstanding restaurant. Add a cozy woolen sweater, a wee nip of whiskey and we're all as happy as leprechauns.
- Ireland's spectacular natural beauty seen during country-road rambles and coastal-cliff walks
- Explore Killarney's crafts shops, elegant boutiques and lively pubs
- Evening with a well-known Irish storyteller
- Hike in wild Killarney National Park, with windswept mountains, deep lakes and gorges
- Private whiskey tasting
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Caragh Lake
Meet in Cork 
From the Carrig House, embark on a hike along Caragh Lake with views of the spectacular glacier-carved Glencar Valley The top of appropriately named Windy Gap offers stunning views of Dingle Bay Stroll along the dramatic coastal cliffs to Rossbeigh or enjoy a local pint.
Day 3 Killarney
Hike Tomies Woods and visit O'Sullivan's Cascade Savor a traditional pub lunch in historic Killarney Stroll to 15th-century Ross Castle on the shore of Lower Lake Delight in the lost art of storytelling as a local seanachie spins enchanting tales.
Days 4-6 Kenmare
Join local guide Michael Murphy for a visit to Killarney National Park, Muckross Estate and Torc Waterfall Wander through charming Kenmare, where you'll find shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants, as well as row upon row of houses with cheerfully painted façades and ornate plasterwork Pamper yourself with a spa treatment at our hotel Hike over Mount Knockagarrane on the rugged Beara Peninsula, with awe-inspiring views of the pristine lakes and glacier-carved mountains in Inchiquin Valley Taste local whiskeys with expert John Moriarty Follow quiet paths to one of the largest stone circles in County Kerry.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Czech Republic Walking Dalmatian Coast Walking Norway WalkingOther Europe Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
Backroads never fails to provide a unique travel experience, one I can brag about to all my friends. It is difficult to put a price on all that is learned and experienced on a Backroads trip, and it is hard to convey to others not on the trip all the feelings we gather on such a trip. They will just have to come along next time and see for themselves.- Stillwater, MN More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For walking tours and hiking tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our walking tours and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Ireland Walking
LUXURY & CHARM: Premiere Inns
Carrig House
Caragh Lake (2 nights) Enjoy the gracious service of Mary and Frank Slattery at this restored Victorian gem, set on the shore of Caragh Lake.
Killarney Park Hotel
Killarney (1 night) Promising and delivering "warmth beyond the smile," this handsome hotel in the heart of Killarney offers delectable cuisine, a swimming pool, a spacious spa and a full-time pianist.
Park Hotel Kenmare
Kenmare (2 nights) This Small Luxury Hotels of the World member comes with antique-filled elegance, French cuisine, an 18-hole golf course, a private cinema and a deluxe spa.
Ireland Walking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 3.7, 8 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 6.2, 10.3 miles
- 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 2.7, 5.7 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 3, 8.5, 11.6, 15.2 miles
- 0 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 6.1, 8.9 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 3.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
We hike on boggy trails, pavement and dirt roads that can be wet and rocky at times. The terrain is gently to moderately hilly.